Assam: Storm-damaged school in Sribhumi left in neglect, students forced to study under open sky

More than a month after a severe storm tore away the tin roof of a classroom at Chaitanya Nath Public High School in Ramkrishnanagar constituency, students continue to attend classes under the open sky, with no visible intervention from either the school management committee or the district education department.

The storm left a large section of the roof destroyed, exposing the classroom to the elements. In the absence of repairs, classes are frequently disrupted, especially during rain. The school also lacks basic facilities such as windowpanes and functional toilets. While a Smart Tele-Education system has been installed, it remains wrapped in plastic to protect it from weather damage.

The management committee is headed by Pranab Mukherjee, reportedly a close associate of the local MLA and a sitting district council member. One of the school’s teachers is the uncle of the current MP, Kripanath Mallah. Despite these political connections, no developmental work has been initiated.

Adding to the neglect, a pucca building sanctioned in 2012 with funds from the District Commissioner’s office remains incomplete. The headmaster admitted he is unaware of the total sanctioned amount for the project, which now stands abandoned and unused.

“I have approached higher authorities multiple times, but no action has been taken. Even the local MLA has been informed, yet nothing has changed,” the headmaster said.

Local residents have expressed frustration, questioning the MLA’s ability to address educational issues given his own lack of formal qualifications. They now await a concrete response from the education department, as the future of the students hangs in the balance.